Local Sports

Mustang soccer sends three starters to NJC

ByVERONICA IVEY Times Sports Reporter

Posted:
05/19/2013 01:17:32 PM MDT

Fort Morgan head soccer coach Nick Ng, back, stands in support of three of last seasons starters signing letters of intent to play soccer for NJC, from left to right: Alan Mendez, Sarafin Rangel, and Jorge Aranda.
Â?
(
Picasa
)

Last season the Fort Morgan Mustang's soccer team went an impressive 14-2 on the season and after going undefeated in league went one and done in the playoffs one goal to none.

This was still an exciting season for Mustang fans, for the players for the coach, a season to remember and to be proud of. Now the Mustang soccer team has more to be proud of as it sends three senior starters from last season on to play collegiate soccer at Northeasten Junior College.

Jorge Aranda, Sarafin Rangel and Alan Mendez have all signed letters of intent to play soccer for NJC in Sterling.

"I am very proud of these young men, I've had the privilege of coaching them since they were 7 years old when I started out as an Optimist soccer coach, we've come a long way together since then and I wish them every success in their futures," said head Mustang soccer head coach Nick Ng.

Ng commented that this is something that will become more common for Mustang soccer, the beginning of a long line of athletes who will come from this program and go on to play soccer at high levels than high school.

He also feels that the biggest asset that NJC will gain is three guys making up a small chunk of the team that's been playing together for years; they know each other's styles and they have already proven that they know the meaning of teamwork.

"The fact that they've played together for many years should be an asset to this team," said Ng.

Playing college soccer had been a goal of Aranda since he started his high school career in soccer.

Advertisement

A couple of his teammates had suggested to look into NJC because they had a soccer team, he pursued them and made them take a look and they like what they saw

"This means a lot to me. I feel good about this accomplishment and I feel like I am a role model to all my teammates, they can work hard and do this, too," said Aranda.

Aranda plans to major in business while in college, and is looking forward to upping his game in soccer

"I think our team played intense enough that I will be ready for this level of play," said Aranda. Aranda plays left midfielder and left forward, and plans to play harder than ever.

On having two other teammates join him, "It makes me feel good about our old team and that we worked hard and together and I think will help out at NJC because we've played together and well for so long it could be easier," said Arranda.

His new goals now that he's accomplished this one is to go after a championship for the league and a national title.

Rangel has also always wanted to play college at this since high school soccer.

"This has always been a goal in the back of mind but I never thought it would actually happen," said Rangel. Rangel has been playing soccer since he was around 10 years old, and typically plays forward and midfield. Rangel contacted the coach at NJC and they offered him a tryout..

"When I first went to try out I was nervous, but once I started actually playing and stuff it was just like, I knew I could do it," said Rangel.

Rangel's new goals are to study accounting in school and become NJC's new target forward. "I am very good at holding the ball up and attacking, not many on a high school level can do this so I hope this prepares for my goal to be on the starting squad," said Rangel.

Rangel says he will miss his old team in the Mustangs. "Practices weren't just practices; they were fun and the whole team pushed you to try harder and we all got along great. This means so much to me to play on this level and having some of my teammates will make it a better experience and help me to work harder," said Rangel.

"This whole experience just means so much to me, you don't plan on reaching your goals but when you do, it just feels like a great achievement for yourself."

Mendez has dreamed of this his entire life, not just since high school. "This has been a dream of mine my whole life, I've liked soccer my whole life, and I want to play on every level there is even pros," said Mendez. Mendez played defender for the Mustangs and is joining two other teammates from that starting line up to the NJC soccer program. He also pursued NJC at the suggestion of teammates tried out and was asked to join the team. Mendez thinks he will be a great asset for NJC "I have a lot of energy and drive, and I am looking forward to being competitive and win," said Mendez. "I'll miss the team and definitely Nick, the most about Mustang soccer but I am looking forward to stepping to the next level."

"I like having some of my team come with me, it feels great and I know how they play," said Mendez, and on what that says about the Mustang soccer program, " It means we have the best teamwork, we work together hard and well, we're like close friends by the third practice and after that we are a family," said Rangel.

Rangel plans to major in business or accounting or in a related field. "I am just looking forward to life and to see what's in store for me," said Rangle.

Rangel's summer plans are to stay in shape for the soccer season and he wants to thank his team and coach Nick for the support and also thank his family, mom and dad, Leticia and Jesus Mendez and his brother Aaron Mendez.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story